July 4, 2021
Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 UPDATE:
Greetings:
Longtime readers know of my habit of working sports cliches into this report, like today, when I can tell you that there is now a ‘hat trick’ of former news directors running TV stations in the number one market.
Green
That’s because JOHNNY GREEN, Jr., has been named GM for WCBS-TV in New York. Details here.
Johnny’s most recent full time job has been as VP/News Services for CBS, but he’s been the acting ND for WCBS since DAVID FRIEND (and Johnny’s predecessor as GM, PETER DUNN) left CBS earlier this year amidst complaints of a hostile work environment.
Johnny first joined CBS at the company’s Boston station, WBZ-TV, where he started as Assistant ND in 2015 and was promoted to ND less than a year later. He took the VP/News Services job less than a year ago.
His full career path is detailed on his Linkedin page.
Johnny’s the third leg of the aforementioned NYC hat track, joining WNBC-TV’s ERIC LERNER and WABC-TV’s CHAD MATTHEWS as former news directors now serving as GMs in New York.
One more thing…in Sunday night’s full newsletter, I (for about the 17th time) moved WVTM-TV in Birmingham to Columbus, GA, in reporting SUE STEPHENS‘ upcoming retirement as ND for that NBC affiliate. The similarly titled (though clearly not identically named WTVM-TV is in Columbus.
Apologies to Sue for the error.
It’s nice to have an UPDATE without an obituary in it. Hopefully that streak will continue.
regards,
Rick Gevers
**** ***** ****
Greetings:
Best wishes to you and yours for a safe and happy Fourth of July.
Our weekly report has far too many obituaries this week, FIVE in all, and several of them very well regarded members of our industry.
Our traditional news brings details on TWO new news director openings, ONE created by the retirement of a three time ND. And there are TWO new NDs we’ll introduce you to.
The list of open ND jobs remains at 38. FIVE of those openings are among our SIX Paid Help Wanted ads.
TWO items in our GM category: a former ND moves to a top 15 market for her second GM job, while another former ND turned GM retires after 40+ years at the same station.
And in Names in the News…a new special projects producer in Chicago, a former Missouri ND finds a new job in Kansas City, we’ll share an interview with a new St. Louis news director on how he’s adjusting after 40+ years in an on-air role, and we’ll share how a New York station marked the retirement of its ND after eleven years.
Enjoy the holiday!
Newly Named News Directors:
Fuchs
KTRK-TV, Houston, TX…congratulations to KENTON FUCHS, the new ND for this ABC owned station. This news release details his promotion from head of content and data strategy, and explains his background. He replaces REHAN ASLAM who was promoted to ND at sister ABC o-and-o WABC-TV in New York. (In our UPDATE, we incorrectly told you that he replaces WENDY GRANATO, who was promoted to GM. Her promotion came several years ago: Rehan replaced her. Apologies to Wendy…and to you…for the error.)
Hackling
WRBL-TV, Columbus, GA…CONNOR HACKLING has been promoted to the top newsroom job for this Nexstar owned CBS affiliate. GM DAVID HART shared the email he sent to the staff. Connor joined WRBL in 2014 as the morning producer, advanced to 11:00 PM producer, then EP and Assistant News Director. He replaces GENE KIRKCONNELL who moved to Mobile as news director for sister Nexstar CBS station, WKRG-TV.
New News Director Openings:
Stephens
WVTM-TV, Birmingham, AL...one of our UPDATES this week told you that SUE STEPHENS is retiring after 40 years in our business, the last six as ND at this Hearst owned NBC affiliate. She spent 12 years as ND for another Hearst station, KOAT-TV in Albuquerque. Her first ND job was in Springfield, IL, and she’s worked as a photographer, director, producer, news manager in markets like Mobile, Atlanta, and Charleston, SC.
Gray
KVII-TV, Amarillo, TX…ROGER GRAY has left this Sinclair owned after a little more than two years as news director. His Linkedin page has more on his career history, which includes a stint as long run in Houston television and radio.
Also this week…while not a new opening, we do have a new ad just below for the open ND job at WTVM-TV in Columbus, GA.
Paid Help Wanted Ads:
News Director, WTVM-TV, Columbus, GA:
DOMINANT SOUTHEASTERN ABC AFFILIATE SEEKS EXPERIENCED AND DRIVEN NEWS MANAGER
WTVM NEWS LEADER 9, the ABC affiliate in the Columbus, GA/Auburn, AL market is seeking a Director of News and Content to oversee and manage the daily news product. WTVM produces local news on two other affiliates under separate Shared Services Agreements with WXTX, the FOX affiliate and WLTZ, the NBC affiliate.
All three stations carry content branded as News Leader 9: as in WTVM News Leader 9; News Leader 9 on FOX 54; and News Leader 9 on NBC 38.
Other duties of the Director of News and Content include oversight and management of the WTVM News and Weather apps, wtvm.com and mobile platforms including live streams.
WTVM is owned by Gray Television. Don’t let our market size of 127 fool you. We cover news in a two state, two time zone market, producing more than 40+ hours of live local news per week.
The Shared Services Agreements with WXTX and WLTZ mean that WTVM provides all station services (News, Marketing, Production and Engineering), except Sales. Each station retains its own Sales department.
The News and Content Director will manage the considerable assets of the News Department including reporters, producers, web producers, photographers, the Assistant News Director, Executive Producer, Assignment Editor and Digital Content Manager.
Please apply by clicking here.
No phone calls please. Gray is an equal opportunity employer.
News Director, WJAX/WFOX-TV, Jacksonville, FL:
Cox Media Group in Jacksonville, FL is seeking a creative, team-oriented, and passionate journalist to lead the powerhouse WFOX/WJAX team as a News Director.
This is a rare opportunity for someone who possesses a passion for local news with network-level standards. The ideal candidate will be an expert recruiter, a visionary, a problem-solver and above all – a leader.
The Action News Jax newsroom is a well-oiled machine driven by aggressive, investigative storytelling, cutting-edge producing, the region’s best severe weather team, and a staff committed to our focused brand.
The Jacksonville market is one of the fastest growing in the nation. We’re home to Fortune 500 companies, world class beaches and outdoor sporting possibilities – and with the #1 pick in this year’s NFL Draft-a future Super Bowl contender.
You can learn more about this opportunity by checking out this link!
News Director, WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, MI:
What WOULD you do for the chance to run a TOP 50 legacy station as NEWS Director? WOULD you love working in a newsroom where storytelling and local news are your priorities? How WOULD you like to work for the largest TV ownership group in the country? WOULD you like to try?
WOOD-TV (NBC), WOTV (ABC) and WXSP (MyNet) located in the Grand Rapids – Kalamazoo – Battle Creek, Michigan (Market #41) have an immediate opening for a NEWS DIRECTOR.
The perfect candidate will be an experienced News Director who is an innovative and dynamic leader, possessing excellent news and ethical judgement, strong understanding of hard news and investigative brands, and has a passion to be the best in the market each and every day.
Responsibilities include managing daily news content across multiple platforms; hiring, training and mentoring producers, reporters, and anchors; overseeing special projects and daily operations in the newsroom.
If you WOULD like to be the next leader at WOOD TV- apply here:
News Director, WBRE/WYOU-TV, Wilkes-Barre, PA:
This is the market where it all started…
Join the largest TV ownership group in the country in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (Market #58) as NEWS DIRECTOR.
A lot has changed since the early days of Nexstar Media Group 25 years ago. We now own 199 stations in 116 markets… But our commitment to the original market – now with WBRE/NBC and WYOU/CBS – and the original mission – serving our communities with LOCAL NEWS – is stronger than ever.
The perfect candidate for this perfect opportunity is collaborative, creative and competitive. We are looking for someone dynamic and innovative, with a proven track record of success on broadcast and digital platforms.
We are ready to move you so you can move us. This could be where it all starts for you, too. Imagine where Nexstar could take you.
Assistant News Director, WDKY-TV, Lexington, KY:
How often do you get the chance to build a local TV newsroom from the ground up? I know you’ve dreamed about it. (I know I have!)
Now’s your chance. Join the largest TV ownership group in the country in Lexington, Kentucky (Market #63) at WDKY Fox 56 as ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR.
Be a part of a special team getting ready to change the market. Oh, and why not do it in a city on U.S. News and World Report’s Best Places to Live list.
The leader we hire will manage day-to-day operations, with an emphasis on our morning newscast. You must appreciate the role research plays in best serving our digital audience and TV viewers. We are all about LOCAL news. And- we insist you value relationships and demonstrate it by being a strong, but empathetic, communicator.
It’s a great time to be a part of #NexstarNation. “Start-up” here… with no limits in sight! Apply today by clicking here.
Other News Management Openings:
ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR:
WPIX-TV, New York, NY (listed 6/27/21)
KUSI-TV, San Diego, CA (relisted 6/13/21)
KSHB-TV, Kansas City, MO (new listing this week)
KTHV-TV, Little Rock, AR (listed 5/9/21)
WDKY-TV, Lexington, KY (listed 6/27/21, see ad above!)
WHNT-TV, Huntsville, AL (listed 6/20/21)
WSIL-TV, Harrisburg, IL (new listing this week)
KEZI-TV, Eugene, OR (relisted this week)
HOI-ABC, Peoria, IL (listing modified 5/16/21)
KWES-TV, Midland, TX (listed 5/9/21)
KTTC-TV, Rochester, MN (listed 4/25/21)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
News Nation, Chicago, IL (listed 5/16/21)
WHDH-TV, Boston, MA (EP/Investigations, listed 5/16/21)
WGCL-TV, Atlanta, GA (relisted 5/9/12)
KDVR-TV, Denver, CO (AM EP, listed 5/16/21)
WOIO/WUAB-TV, Cleveland, OH (AM EP, listed 5/23/21)
WTTV/WXIN-TV, Indianapolis, IN (listing revised 5/2/21)
WNCN-TV, Raleigh, NC (PM EP, relisted 6/13/21)
KGTV, San Diego, CA (listed 6/27/21)
WDAF-TV, Kansas City, MO (Lifestyle show, relisted 5/9/21)
WCMH-TV, Columbus, OH (listed 6/13/21)
WXIX-TV, Cincinnati, OH (listed 5/31/21)
WSPA-TV, Spartanburg, SC (EP/Digital Content, listed 5/23/21)
KLAS-TV, Las Vegas, NV (listed 6/13/21)
KXAN-TV, Austin, TX (Digital EP, listed 5/23/21)
WXMI-TV, Grand Rapids, MI (listing revised 5/9/21)
WIVB-TV, Buffalo, NY (listed 5/31/21)
KSEE/KGPE-TV, Fresno, CA (listed 5/2/21)
WKRG-TV, Mobile, AL (listed 6/6/21)
KJRH-TV, Tulsa, OK (new listing this week)
KARK/KLRT-TV, Little Rock, AR (listed 6/6/21)
WHNT/WHDF-TV, Huntsville, AL (listed 6/13/21)
KVEO-TV, Brownsville, TX (Digital EP, listed 6/13/21)
WSAV-TV, Savannah, GA (relisted this week)
KTSM-TV, El Paso, TX (relisted this week)
WJTV, Jackson, MS (listed 5/2/21)
WJHL-TV, Johnson City, TN (Digital EP, relisted 6/13/21)
KLKN-TV, Lincoln, NE (AM EP, relisted 5/16/21)
KAAL-TV, Rochester, MN (listed 4/18/21)
MANAGING EDITOR:
WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT (listed 6/27/21)
More News Management Openings:
Relisted 6/27/21:
Spectrum Networks NY1 Senior Manager, News and Content
Listed 6/20/21:
KTVX-TV, Salt Lake City, UT (Digital Content Director)
Relisted 6/6/21:
WKRG-TV, Mobile, AL (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 5/23/21:
WKOW-TV, Madison, WI, (Content Manager)
KOLR-TV, Springfield, MO (Digital Content Manager)
WSYR-TV, Syracuse, NY (Digital Content Manager)
Listed 5/16/21:
News Nation, Chicago, IL (Social Media Manager)
Obituaries:
Last week, after a edition with no obituaries, a college friend wrote and asked “What, no obits?” With FIVE this week, I’m hoping he won’t jinx us again. We reported all of these in UPDATES during the week but have tried to provide new information where possible.
Jackson
ROD JACKSON was the news director for WOWK-TV in Huntington-Charleston, WV until his death Wednesday. Rod, just 65, lost his battle with cancer. New this edition: the station’s report on his death and his obituary. Rod moved to WOWK two years ago as it got him closer to family. He’s a former ND in Wilkes-Barre, PA, spent 13 years with ABC NewsOne in LA, and was proud that he spent 19 years as a reporter before moving into management.
Zehnder
FRED ZEHNDER, a long ago, long time, and well respected journalist who spent 19 years building KTVU-TV in San Francisco/Oakland, died Sunday. Fred was struck by an accused drunk driver while he was crossing the street. He was 87. New today: this story from the San Jose Mercury News. You’ll note I called Fred a journalist: he founded one newspaper and bought another in the Bay Area.
Breshears
Another well respected California journalist, CAROL BRESHEARS, also died Sunday. She was 84 and died of complications from a stroke. Carol spent more than 30 years on the assignment desk at Los Angeles’ KTTV and once served as ND in Santa Barbara. Former LA ND NANCY VALENTA shared the news in this email. Carol’s daughter, SUSAN BAYH, a former first lady of Indiana whose husband EVAN BAYH also served two terms in the US Senate, died earlier this year of cancer.
Hinkle
STEVE HINKLE, a several time news director who most recently worked as a project engineer for Avid, has died. I’ve not had much luck finding any new information, so if any readers can help I would be grateful. You can email me at: rick@rickgevers.com. Steve’s Facebook page did have this list of his career stops.
Romo
Finally, RIC ROMO, who spent more than 40 years with NBC News, and more than 30 of those working with the Today Show, died this week. He was 62 years old. The Today Show remembered him with this story.
Names in the News:
Barnes
POINESHA BARNES moves north to join ABC’s Chicago o-and-o, WLS-TV as special projects producer. She’s currently worked for another network owned station, KXAS-TV, the NBC owned station in Dallas, producing both newscasts and specials. She’s also worked as a producer in Memphis and began as a producer in Pensacola, FL, and Jackson, MS.
Hancock
CURTIS HANCOCK joins Scripps’ KSHB-TV (NBC) in Kansas City as its new executive producer. He most recently was ND at News Press & Gazette’s KMIZ-TV (ABC) in Columbia, MO, a job he left in May after six years. (Ironically, his replacement at KMIZ, SCOTT FLANNIGAN, joined from a different KC station. Curtis has also worked in San Antonio, Tulsa, and Springfield, MO.
Holliday
St. Louis Magazine checked in with ART HOLLIDAY, who was named ND at Tegna’s KSDK-TV (NBC) in St. Louis in March, after 40+ years in a variety of on-air roles. You can read his thoughts about his new job (he reports to Director of Content CAROL FOWLER). Art first joined the station as a weekend sports anchor/reporter, helped launch the station’s first morning newscast, and also served as EP of that program.
Malyn
Finally, WHAM-TV the Sinclair owned ABC affiliate in Rochester, NY, honored retiring news director MATT MALYN this week as he retired after 11 years there. Here’s the link to that story. We told you a few weeks ago about Matt’s retirement plans. He’s a former ND in Tucson and has worked in several other markets.
General Manager News and Notes:
Moreno
One-time ND turned GM CHRISTY MORENO will be the next boss for Tegna’s Seattle duopoly, KING-KONG-TV (NBC/independent). She’s been the GM for Tegna’s WHAS-TV (ABC) in Louisville since 2018,and will find a familiar face in the ND office: JULIE WOLFE, her ND at WHAS, just started at KING. Christy is a former ND at Tegna’s KUSA-TV in Denver and WBIR-TV in Knoxville, TN. She’s also worked in Houston and Wichita Falls, TX, and replaces JIM ROSE who is now GM at Nexstar’s KRON-TV in San Francisco.
Jensch
Another former ND turned GM, DAVE JENSCH, retired Wednesday after 43 years at KBJR-TV in Duluth, MN. As you’ll learn in this interesting story, he began there as a reporter and worked his way to the GM’s office. Congrats, Dave! The station is owned..for now at least..by Quincy Media and operates an NBC station over the air and a CBS station on a digital sub channel.
Our Full List of Open ND Jobs:
Here’s our list of open ND jobs as of Sunday, July 4, 2021:
It’s unofficial, there may be others that are open, and some of these may have been filled. If you know of any in either category, please let me know: rick@rickgevers.com
WCBS-TV 530 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019
WCVB-TV 5 TV Place Needham, MA 02494
KMSP/WTTC-TV 11358 Viking Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
KGTV 4600 Air Way, San Diego, CA 92102
WSMV-TV 5700 Knob Road, Nashville, TN, 37209
KUTV 299 South Main St. # 150, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (see ad above!)
WHNS-TV 21 Interstate Court Greenville, SC 29615
WJAX/WFOX-TV 11700 Central Pkwy., #2 | Jacksonville, FL 32224 (see ad above!)
WAVY-TV 300 WAVY Street Portsmouth, VA 23704
WTKR-TV 720 Boush Street Norfolk VA 23510
WVTM-TV 1732 Valley View Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209
WOOD-TV 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (see ad above!)
WNEP-TV 16 Montage Mountain Rd, Moosic, PA 18507
WBRE/WYOU-TV 62 S Franklin St. Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701 (see ad above!)
WHAS-TV 520 West Chestnut Street Louisville, KY 40202
WYMT-TV 199 Black Gold Blvd. Hazard, KY 41701
WCHS-TV 1301 Piedmont Rd.. Charleston, WV 25301
WHAM-TV 4225 West Henrietta Rd., Rochester NY 14623
KNVO-TV, 801 North Jackson Rd., McAllen TX 78501 **
KTAL-TV 3150 N Market St., Shreveport, LA 71137
WCIA-TV 509 S. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820
WFFF/WVNV-TV 298 Mountain View Dr, Colchester, VT 05446
KFSM-TV 5101 S. 48th Street Springdale, AR 72762
KYTX-TV 2211 E SE Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701
WEEK-TV 2907 Springfield Rd, East Peoria, IL 61611
WWTV/WWUP-TV P.O. Box 627, Cadillac Michigan 49601
KRIS-TV 301 Artesian Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401
WLTZ-TV 6140 Buena Vista Rd.. Columbus, GA 31907
WTVM-TV 1909 Wynnton Rd Columbus, GA 31906 (see ad above!)
KVII-TV 1 Broadcast Center, Amarillo, TX 79101
KBJR-TV 246 South Lake Ave., Duluth MN 55802
WDIO-TV 10 Observation Rd., Duluth, MN 55811
KBMT-TV 525 Interstate 10 South, Beaumont, TX 77701
KTVQ-TV 3203 3rd Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101
KULR-TV 2045 Overland Ave. Billings, MT 59102
WDTV 5 Television Drive. Bridgeport, WV 26330
WBKO-TV 2727 Russellville Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42101
KSAN/KSLT-TV 2800 Armstrong St., San Angelo, TX 76903
**: Spanish language station